Hassocks Man To Climb Kilimanjaro In Aid Of Sussex Charity

A man from Hassocks is preparing to climb the highest mountain in Africa in aid of the charity that supported his identical twin brother who has cerebral palsy.

The lives of Sussex identical twins Paul and Lee Pay could not be more different. Lee was born with cerebral palsy – a life-long condition which affects movement and coordination.

Paul, a financier, and fitness enthusiast is about to embark on the challenge of a lifetime to raise funds for the Chailey Heritage Foundation whose specialist school supported Lee in his early years. The family believe that it was CHF’s support that laid the foundations for Lee to be able to live a largely independent life.

Fifty-two-year-old Paul Pay from Hassocks in West Sussex works for Barclays Bank as a director of Wealth Management. He has tackled the Three Peaks Challenge and is now preparing to go a step, or few, further and climb Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895 metres, the dormant volcano located in Tanzania is a formidable challenge.

Paul said:

"Lee is so pleased that I am taking on this challenge to raise funds for CHF, although he obviously wishes that he could also take part. As an identical twin it is hard for him to watch the things that I do in my life, however he is always proud of anything that I achieve."

Lee attended CHF school in the 1970’s and 80’s. Paul remembers joining Lee at Chailey when the then patron Queen Mother opened a new school wing.

Paul added:

"CHF is a pioneering charity dedicated to enriching the lives of the young people with complex disabilities and health needs. Its vision is simple and clear: Every young person will be given every opportunity to be their best.”

The charity helped to equip Lee with the skills to live an independent life supported by his family. He went on to work for Brighton based Infinity Foods for 20 years, until he was recently made redundant.

Paul’s preparation for his mountain climb is well underway with regular gym sessions and fitness classes. He left for Africa yesterday (September 8) and will join fellow climbers for the 10-day expedition.

Paul said:

“Meeting the group alone will be daunting, but the biggest challenge for everyone will be altitude sickness, as even the fittest people can still suffer. I am doing everything that I can to give myself the best chance.

"I had my 50th birthday during lockdown and decided to press ahead with things that I had always wanted to do, whilst I was still able to. On my return from Kilimanjaro, I will be doing a parachute jump with my son!”

Paul has already raised thousands of pounds for Chailey Heritage Foundation, including a £1k donation from his employer Barclays Bank.

Chailey’s Head of Fundraising Will Folkes said:

“Paul’s connection with CHF is very special and we are so grateful to him for taking on the Kilimanjaro Challenge to raise funds for us. It is really gratifying that he recognises the support we were able to offer Lee and his family and we are so proud we were able to help Lee with an independent life. We all wish Paul the best of luck with his amazing challenge!”

Paul said:

“This is my hardest challenge to date but is nothing compared to the everyday challenges that Lee faces."

 Paul’s Just Giving page is www.justgiving.com/page/paul-pay-1682332771276